Tag: boating

Things to Do on the Water Near Palmetto, FL

There’s always an adventure awaiting you on the water near Palmetto, FL. Whether you’re parasailing with the breeze at your back or on an exciting tour in search of dolphins, the things to do on the water near Palmetto, FL are practically endless.

From tranquil to thrilling, here are some of the best water activities you should try when you’re visiting Palmetto, FL.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Are you looking for a full-body workout? Then try paddleboarding. Step onto a board, then use your balance and strength as you begin paddling at your own pace. Depending on the rental company, you can take your paddling up a notch and go on eco tours!

Kayaking

Since the Palmetto area has a wealth of beautiful parks, there are optimal opportunities for you and your family to enjoy an afternoon of kayaking. Choose to go on a solo trip, or go with a group, as you explore the winding Manatee River.

Parasailing

Float above the Gulf waters as you enjoy the thrill of parasailing! Grab a friend—or two—and get ready for a unique day of fun on the water near Palmetto, FL! Who knows, you might even see turtles, dolphins and various types of fish while parasailing. You can also choose to stay dry and land on the boat deck or get dipped in the water when you need to cool off. The best part is that no prior skills are necessary!

Dolphin Tours

Now that we’re on the subject of dolphin spotting, there are plenty of opportunities to see these lovely creatures when you’re near Palmetto, FL. On a tour, the captain will take you to where the dolphins are likely to dwell. In addition, some tours will even narrate throughout the tour so that you can learn more about the area’s waterways. Often times, there are also sunset tours, which make for an even more unique, one-of-a-kind experience!

Boating

Of course we can’t talk about having fun on the water and leave out the beloved activity of boating! If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent a boat, which will vary in shapes and sizes to accommodate you and your family. Bring your fishing poles, a picnic lunch, and you’ll be set for an exciting afternoon aboard your boat!

6 Easy Tips to Better Outboard Performance

Wondering what’s best for your boat’s outboard performance? From taking an inventory of your boat’s gear to simply keeping up with its maintenance, here are six easy tips that you can take today to better your outboard performance.

Leave your engines alone. While it’s tempting to modify the speed, it’s best to leave the setting to how it was manufactured. Modifying the engine, even by just a couple miles per hour compromises its reliability and voids its warranty as well.

Straighten your outboard’s posture. Situate your boat so that its outboard points straight ahead. This allows the thrust to be guided to point up as well, which will increase efficiency and use your fuel more conservatively.

Find the prop that works for your performance. The prop will differ very much if you’re racing one day and going on a fishing trip the next day. Try out different props to meet your desired purpose.

Jack plates are your friends. When you mount your outboard on a jack plate, you’re able to achieve the optimal position for your engine. Another great benefit for using jack plates is being able to adjust the distance of the motor from the transom, which ensures that water isn’t entering the prop.

Check your gear. Take an inventory of the gear that you carry on your boat. Too much gear can slow down your boat’s efficiency and speed. Boat racers estimate that 100 pounds of gear is the equivalent of 4 mph.

Keep you with your boat’s maintenance. While it sounds like a no-brainer, the more you keep up with your boat, the better your outboard performance and the longer your boat’s lifespan will be. For instance, make sure you’re using the correct octane fuel and a high-quality two-stroke oil, and don’t forget to replace the lower unit’s oil. These are just a few of the many checks and balances you can make on your boat to ensure the best performance possible.

Boaters tend to favor deck boats for their plentiful seating capacity, which is perfect for families and friends. In addition, there’s a generous amount of room for all of the gear that accommodates an afternoon on the water without overcrowding the deck space. It’s no wonder that deck boats are still trending with boaters!

You may mistake deck boats for bowriders, but when you get up close, you’ll notice these are much more spacious, sporty and chic. Some are even equipped with full windshields so you can enjoy the ride during every season.

In addition to the extra space, deck boats have become favorable among boaters because of how user-friendly they are when it comes to the towing process versus a pontoon. They’re also easier to stow due to their lower profile. In turn, these features attract the more novice of boaters as well.

Though the most common agreement reached among deck boat customers is the comfort that they provide along with more options for seating and entertaining as well as other amenities, such as a Porta Potti.

With all of the accommodations that deck boats have to offer, the open layout is never compromised. And that’s what is keeping the number of deck boat admirers increasing. The versatility that decks boats offer from a nice sunset cruise to an afternoon zipping across the lake are what keep families impressed as well. Manufacturers will continue improving deck boats’ features to appeal to the interests of their customers, such as technological upgrades and for performance and comfort.